People often dismiss self-help books as nonsense. Many of us would much rather pick up a juicy novel or an interesting autobiography. However, we asked a few COSMO team members if there were any self-help books they thought were worth reading, why they loved it and how it helped them through a tough time in their lives. Take note…
The Modern Girl’s Guide To Sticky Situations (HarperCollins Publishers) by Jane Buckingham
‘This book tells it like it is!’ says features writer, Linda Mali. ‘Every cringe-worthy moment you can imagine is in this book – from how to handle bumping into your ex with his new girlfriend and how to handle feeling intimidated by colleagues at work to dealing with rude shop assistants. I found it extremely helpful. It’s like a pocket guide: every time I need to do something I’m not sure how to manage, I consult this book!’
Living Through the Meantime: Learning to Break the Patterns of the Past and Begin the Healing Process (Simon & Schuster Ltd) by Iyanla Vanzant
‘This book was my greatest help when I needed to get myself out of a very gloomy, emotional place,’ says promotions coordinator, Abeda Adler. ‘It taught me that life is a journey, we all have a destiny and every step you take will lead you to the road you’re meant to be on. It taught me to love yourself first; that way, you will see what the universe will reveal to you.’
The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari (HarperCollins Publishers) by Robin S. Sharma
‘I liked this book because of the way the story is told (in a fable format) and because of the impact it has had on my life,’ says picture assistant, Lutho Vuso. ‘It helped me build courage and also understand the power of mind-controlling negative thoughts and how to visualise achievements. There is a lot of wisdom in this book.’
Why Him? Why Her? Finding Real Love by Understanding Your Personality Type (Oneworld Publications) by Helen Fisher
‘Quite a few months ago, I saw an interview with Dr. Helen Fisher, on
Carte Blanche about her new book, says art director, Imogen Pretorius. ‘The interview was so interesting that I went online and did the quiz that is linked with the book. The quiz results gave a short summary of my primary and secondary personality types and which personality types I would be best suited to and vice versa. I proceeded to buy the book and get more detailed information on different personality types and combinations. I have subsequently managed to get friends and family to also do the quiz and in the process, we’ve learned a great deal about each other. Mostly, we’ve learned why our approaches sometimes differ so much and why they are sometimes so similar. Two of my best friends turned out to be exactly what the quiz said would be a good match for me, and vice versa. It was quite enlightening.’
The Heart Of The Five Love Languages (Northfield Publishing) by Gary Chapman
‘The Five Love Languages Chapman talks about are Quality Time, Gifts, Acts of Service, Physical Touch and Words of Affirmation,’ says COSMO intern, Tennille Coverly-Pons. ‘In this book, Chapman describes that every human has a different love language. In a relationship, after the “in love” stage when your relationship starts to become “comfortable”, this book can help. It suggests that you need to find out what your partner’s love language is and tells you how to feed your partner’s love tank in order to keep the relationship alive from both sides. Learning my partner’s love language allowed me to continue to have a healthy and happy relationship.’
Life! Reflections On Your Journey (Hay House Inc) by Louise L. Hay
‘I happened to be at a book sale when I picked up
Life! Reflections On Your Journey, not knowing at the time that this book would completely change my way of thinking,’ says junior beauty editor, Deevya Vasson. ‘I was going through a breakup and this book gave me the skills I needed to heal body, mind and spirit. It introduced me to the concept of positive thinking, affirmations and living mindfully.’